Design and functionality

SURE provides a uniquely simple and secure solution to the problem of transferring and storing sensitive data contained in registries, routinely collected datasets and cohorts for the purposes of research and analysis. These data are currently underused in research projects due to privacy concerns. SURE users can access this type of data through virtual workspaces and while they access the data from their own computers, the data never leave SURE.

The data cannot be copied, downloaded or transmitted by email or other means. Researchers can take their analyses from SURE but not the original data. All inputs and outputs are vetted through a unique “curated gateway” for compliance and the SURE system records and archives all transactions for future reference.

SURE security features

Purpose-built privacy protection

  • SURE is the only facility that operates as a central, secure, online destination for analysing sensitive human research data, and allows data custodians tight control over what they make available and to whom.
  • Purpose-built technology, which is internationally unique, automates and manages the information flow in and out of SURE
  • SURE overcomes the major privacy challenges, reputational and legal liability risks associated with releasing data to external parties.

Access control

  • SURE access is strongly authenticated requiring three different factors of authentication
  • SURE is hosted in a tier-3+ (i.e. best available) data centre in Sydney that is also used by some of Australia’s leading telecommunications, government and financial institutions.
  • Regular on-site and off-site backups of data are made. All off-site backups and archival data are encrypted prior to being transferred to secure off-site storage
  • All users are required to undertake training on issues of privacy, ethics, information security and statistical disclosure control prior to gaining access to SURE and sign a deed outlining the terms and conditions of using SURE